Slay the Spire 2 Ironclad build: early plan

This Slay the Spire 2 Ironclad build begins as a practical damage-and-defense deck, then adopts a scaling or Exhaust package when the run supplies its pieces. Hizzle recommends solving the next fight before collecting cards for an imagined final combo.

A Main-branch starting package

Use Bash to apply Vulnerable when follow-up attacks make the setup worthwhile. The checked Main card reference lists 2 Energy, 8 damage and 2 Vulnerable, upgrading to 10 damage and 3 Vulnerable. The card list gives an ordinary Strike 6 damage for 1 Energy. Single source for these detailed card values: the named Main card database. Hizzle has not measured them in-game.

For a fight against several enemies, an available Conflagration is one concrete Main option. Major Update 2 changed it to 2 damage to all enemies four times, five times when upgraded. That is useful context for multi-hit effects, not a guarantee it is the correct reward in every deck.

Why Bash is a decision

In a simplified three-Energy hand, against an enemy with no Block or other relevant modifiers, three ordinary Strikes total 18 damage. Bash followed by one Strike totals 17: eight, then six increased by Vulnerable’s 50% attack bonus to nine. The second line also leaves a debuff for a later turn; the first can be better if eighteen ends the fight now.

That arithmetic is Worked out by Hizzle from the published values under those stated assumptions. It is not a simulated win-rate claim. Inspect the real target’s health, Block and powers before borrowing the example.

Add an engine only when it functions

Major Update 2’s Drum of Battle draws two cards and provides Energy when Exhausted. Owning it does not mean you already own a reliable way to Exhaust it. Check the generator, payoff and timing separately before passing up an immediate answer.

Upgrade a card whose improvement changes an upcoming fight. Keep enough defense and potion support to reach that fight. UNSURE: a universal best list, every rare-card route and high-Ascension matchups.

Related: Slay the Spire 2 beginner guide: first run, Slay the Spire 2 achievements: current status, Slay the Spire 2 patch notes: Main versus Beta, Slay the Spire 2 best character for beginners, Slay the Spire 2 what to do first, Slay the Spire 2 when to skip cards.